White-collared Pigeon
Columba albitorques
A dark pigeon that is endemic to the Abyssinian highlands. There is a white mark on the back of the head, and white patches in the wings that are conspicuous in flight. Found at middle and high elevations. Nests in rocky areas as well as in towns and cities, and feeds mainly in grassland and cultivated areas. Can be similar to the highly variable feral Rock Pigeon, but distinguished by the white mark on the head. Not very vocal, but does sometimes give a low cooing call.
Identification
The white-collared pigeon is 32 cm (13 in) in length. It is a large grey-brown pigeon with a conspicuous white hindcollar contrasting with a slate-grey head. In flight it shows prominent white wing patches formed by white inner primary coverts.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Columba albitorques
- Authority
- Rüppell, 1837
- Order
- Columbiformes
- Family
- Columbidae
- Genus
- Columba
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Olivaceous Thornbill
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Dark, short-billed hummingbird found at very high elevations in the Andes. Plumage is olive-green; adult male has a colorful “beard” that is reduced or lacking in females and immatures. It inhabits open grassland and areas with scattered shrubs above treeline. Unlike almost all other hummingbirds, it regularly lands on the ground to feed on tiny flowers protruding from the grass.
Short-crested Monarch
Hypothymis helenae
A fairly small bird of lowland and foothill forest understory. Male has deep-blue upperparts, head, and chest and a white belly. Told from Black-naped Monarch by its black mark between the eye and bill and from Celestial Monarch by its shorter, bushy crest. Female is told from other monarchs by its gray-blue upperparts. Song is a series of clear piping notes, increasing in volume. Also gives a 2- to 3-note call of sharp rasping notes with the first note higher-pitched.
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